Rep. Truett Measure to Protect Property Owners while Promoting Recreational Tourism Signed into Law

For quite some time, climbers in Kentucky have lobbied to add new language to the state's recreational use statutes that would expand access to rock climbing in the Red River Gorge by limiting liability for landowners. This would also impact Jackson County, with tourists looking to enjoy rock climbing at Foxtown Boulders. 

"There is a large group of people in the world that, when they think about Kentucky, they think about rock climbing just as much as they think about bourbon or basketball or horse racing or anything like that," said president of the Red River Gorge Climbers' Coalition Curtis Rogers. "It's a global destination for climbing." 

Rogers shared a story of a European encounter that proves just how widely the gorge is known. "I was actually in Switzerland one time and I bumped into a lady," Rogers began. "She said, `hey, where are you from?' I said, `Well, I'm from Kentucky,' and she said, `Oh, like the Red River Gorge?' I was like, `Well, yeah, that's exactly right. Not too far from there at all.' 
In response to this need, House Bill 114, a measure sponsored by Representative Timmy Truett of McKee to protect property owners and encourage responsible rock climbing, has been signed into law. 

 "I am very grateful to have had the support of my colleagues from both chambers and both sides of the aisle in passing this common-sense measure," said Truett. "It is my hope this change will both ease concerns of property owners and allow this activity to continue its growth." 

 House Bill 114 expands the list of activities where landowner liability is waived to include rock climbing, bouldering, and rappelling, protecting these landowners from being liable for the negligent actions of individuals engaged in those activities on their property. 

 These protections are already in place for landowners who allow individuals to hunt, fish, and camp on their property. 

 "With the incredible growth of these activities throughout Eastern Kentucky and especially in the Red River Gorge area, we must ensure we have the statutory framework in place to protect our property owners while also encouraging responsible tourism and recreation practices," Truett added. "House Bill 114 is the logical next step in this process, and I look forward to seeing this activity continue to grow for years to come." 

 House Bill 114 was passed unanimously by both chambers of the General Assembly before being signed by the governor on March 31. It will go into effect later this summer.